Mangalore:

Samanvaya added another feather to its cap by inaugurating its 12th free tailoring-cum-embroidery course of 9 months for the poor women of Moodferar, a village on the outskirts of Mangalore on Thursday, as a fitting tribute to the late Fr Bernard D’Souza.  The programme was jointly organized by Samanvaya Mangalore, Women’s Association (Stree Sanghatan) and SSVP of St Francis Xavier Parish, Ferar.

Running free tailoring-cum-embroidery course for poor women in villages has been of immense success and has gained popularity and Samanvaya is desirous of giving this job skill to as many women as possible.  About 138 women who successfully underwent tailoring classes from the past 9 courses have become economically strong and live a better life.

The tenth and eleventh tailoring courses at Madame village in Siddakatte and Lingappayyakadu village in Mulki are drawing to a close in November 2011.  The demand for conducting this course is higher than Samanvaya can afford for want of sewing machines for which benevolence from willing donors is sought.

The free tailoring course inaugurated of Thursday became possible by though the generosity of Antony Timothy D’Souza and family of Qatar who have met its entire expenditure. SSVP St Francis Xavier Conference Ferar has donated 10 sewing machines for running the class at the church hall.

Samanvaya director Dr Ronald Cutinha spoke in brief about the success story of the free tailoring-cum-embroidery course and advised the interested students to learn the job skill in right earnest and improve their living standard. Sahodaya Bethany Sewa Kendra coordinator Sr Prema Gonsalves spoke about the need for networking the joint efforts of Samanvaya and Sahodaya Bethany in trying to bring about a change in the lives of the poor women so that the entire family could be benefited.

Women’s coordinator Sr Mabel D’Souza recalled the late Fr Bernard D’Souza and his concern for the poor. She gave simple tips to the new tailoring students on the use and maintenance of the sewing machines and also on advantage of learning the skill seriously in their own interest.

Samanvaya managing trustee and Ferar parish priest Dr Pius Fidelis Pinto inaugurated the 9-month free tailoring-cum-embroidery course. He detailsed the various activities conducted by Samanvaya for the poor, including free tailoring courses for the women to make them economically independent.  With good co-operation and understanding between the teacher and the students, the tailoring course just inaugurated would be a success and it would bring name and fame to Ferar.

Also seated on the dais were A B D’Souza of London, Ferar parish council vice president William D’Souza, SSVP president Molly Pereira, Women’s Association president Violet Albuquerque and tailoring teacher Janet Mathias.

Violet Albuquerque welcomed the guests and gathering. Leena Rodrigues proposed a vote of thanks. Judith Mascarenhas compered the programme. Thirty women attended the function, out of whom 22 have registered to join the tailoring classes commencing forthwith.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Team Mangalorean
with inputs from media release / November 18th, 2011